Question

What is the cause of cretinism?
A. Hypoparathyroidism
B. Hypothyroidism
C. Hyperparathyroidism
D. Hyperthyroidism

Answer 1

Hint: This refers to the abnormal development of the thyroid gland, in this condition a low amount of thyroid hormone is secreted.

Complete answer:
Hypothyroidism refers to an underactive thyroid gland – that means low secretion of thyroid hormones – T4 and T3. It can occur in the newborn (congenital) or a previously normal adult (acquired).
Cretinism, also called congenital hypothyroidism, refers to severe hypothyroidism in an infant or child. It is the result of maternal iodine deficiency i.e, deficiency of iodine in mother during pregnancy, and thankfully is increasingly rare.

So, the correct answer is “hypothyroidism”.

Additional Information:
> Mostly thyroxine (T4), and a small amount of triiodothyronine (T3) are the main hormones secreted by the thyroid gland. Thyroid hormones affect metabolism as a result most organ systems in the body are also affected.
> The state of decreased secretion of parathyroid hormone (PTH) is said to be hypoparathyroidism. This results in decreased blood calcium level (hypocalcemia) and increased blood phosphorus levels (hyperphosphatemia).
> A condition in which one or more of the parathyroid glands become overactive and secrete too much hormone (PTH) is hyperparathyroidism. This causes increased blood calcium (hypercalcemia).
> Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) occurs when the thyroid gland secretes too much hormone (thyroxine). Hyperthyroidism can increase our body metabolism, causing rapid weight loss and an irregular heartbeat.
> The secretion of thyroid hormones is stimulated by thyrotropin (TSH) which is secreted from the pituitary gland, which is in turn secreted in response to thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), secreted by the hypothalamus.

Note:
- Hypocalcemia- A condition in which there is a presence of lower-than-average levels of calcium in the plasma.
- Hyperphosphatemia- An electrolyte disorder in which the level of phosphate in the blood increased.
- High calcium level causes calcium deposits in the soft tissue. and also low calcium levels result in muscle spasms.